Omaha, Nebraska-based Blue Sushi Sake Grill is expanding its footprint with a new location set to open in Tempe, Arizona, near the bustling campus of Arizona State University. According to ABC15, the Japanese restaurant, touted as the largest sushi restaurant group in the country with a sustainable seafood program, will be part of the Novus Place retail development, launching its first Arizona venue in late October.
The new Blue Sushi location will be surrounded by other gastronomic ventures, including three Fox Restaurant Concepts eateries – Flower Child, Blanco Taco Cocina + Cantina and North Italia – as well as Eureka, Over Easy, The Alley and Nautical Bowls. When completed, Novus Place is expected to extend over 275,000 square feet, offering a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. A hiring event for the upcoming Tempe store is scheduled for Sept. 23, further rooting the brand's commitment to local employment and economic growth.
Nick Hogan, the CEO and co-founder of Flagship Restaurant Group, Blue Sushi's parent company, shared with The Business Journal that Flagship has retained full ownership of the chain since its inception over two decades ago. Hogan, who is no stranger to the Phoenix area, having been a University of Arizona graduate and resident for six years, remarked, “With me being here full-time and then some of our other regional manager starting to be here full-time, Phoenix has become one of our hubs.”
Other than the Tempe location, the group also plans to open another eatery in Surprise and is on the verge of sealing a deal for additional location in downtown Gilbert, anticipated to open in roughly two years. While not currently negotiating leases in other Valley locales, Hogan expressed that he could envision Blue Sushi thriving in areas like Desert Ridge, Queen Creek, and Goodyear, underlining a bullish outlook for the brand's regional growth.
Despite being a major player with over 20 locations nationwide, Blue Sushi Sake Grill markets itself as a more accessible choice compared to upscale sushi establishments. “It’s fun. It's a nice night out but it's not exceedingly expensive,” Hogan told The Business Journal. With this expansion, diners in the Phoenix area can soon savor the Blue Sushi experience, characterized by approachable pricing and a commitment to sustainable seafood offerings.
